Preparatory information
The Erasmus traineeship is an excellent opportunity for students to gain experience abroad in their field of study. It contributes to the development of professional skills and allows students to gain valuable insights into specific professional fields. An internship is a good alternative to a traditional study abroad programme and can also be considered if a student is not accepted for an Erasmus placement. By doing an Erasmus traineeship in the desired city, students can still gain valuable international experience.
Types of Erasmus traineeships:
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- Voluntary traineeships: These are optional and are offered in fields such as Fine Arts, Architecture or as part of a Master's programme in Critical Studies. ECTS credits cannot be awarded for these traineeships.
- Mandatory traineeships as part of the curriculum: These internships are an integral and compulsory part of the programme. An example is the internship at the Institute of Conservation and Restoration.
- Traineeships for recent graduates: These can be completed within 12 months of graduation, provided that mobility months are still available. A prerequisite is that the graduate is no longer enrolled at an Austrian university. This type of traineeship is particularly suitable for a so-called gap year, if the graduate is not sure whether he/she wants to continue with a Master's or Doctoral programme. The Erasmus traineeship allows graduates to spend time in the city where they may wish to continue their studies.
- Voluntary traineeships: These are optional and are offered in fields such as Fine Arts, Architecture or as part of a Master's programme in Critical Studies. ECTS credits cannot be awarded for these traineeships.
Duration of the traineeship:
The minimum duration of an Erasmus internship is two months, the maximum duration is six months. An extension beyond this period is currently not possible anymore.
Mobility months:
Each student has a fixed quota of mobility months available under the Erasmus+ programme. Each month spent abroad as part of an Erasmus+ mobility is deducted from this overall quota.
For diploma programmes, a total of 24 mobility months is available. For Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, 12 mobility months per study cycle are available.
The mobility quota can be used for different types of Erasmus+ mobility. Depending on the type of mobility, additional maximum durations apply:
- Erasmus+ study mobility: Mobility months can be used for a study period at an Erasmus+ partner university.
- Erasmus+ traineeship during studies: Traineeships can be funded for a maximum total duration of 6 months. Extensions beyond this maximum duration are not possible.
- Erasmus+ traineeship for recent graduates: After graduation, up to 10 months of the remaining mobility quota can be used for a traineeship for recent graduates. Please note the application requirements for traineeships for recent graduates: the application must be submitted before completing your studies.
Finding a traineeship:
Students may independently search for an employer for their Erasmus traineeship. However, it is recommended that they consult their academic advisors beforehand. The activities chosen must be subject-specific and in line with the field of study and the curriculum.
Entry and residence requirements: Students who are not EU citizens should find out in good time about the entry and residence requirements of the host country. It may be necessary to apply to the relevant foreign embassy or consulate.
Insurance Coverage:
Interns must ensure that they have adequate insurance cover while abroad, including health, accident and liability insurance. Regular students are covered by the ÖH (Austrian Student Union) insurance at their place of work. Graduate Erasmus+ trainees who are no longer enrolled at an Austrian university are responsible for ensuring that they have adequate insurance cover.
Language courses: Trainees have access to the EU Academy platform where they can take online language courses and earn certificates. This provides an opportunity to improve language skills in a targeted manner.Detailed information, including funding options, can be found on the official Erasmus program websites or at the International Office.
Important!
- Grants can only be awarded for the physical part of a mobility activity.
- Retroactive applications for Erasmus+ funding are not possible.
- There is no legal entitlement to Erasmus+ funding. The allocation of funding is subject to the availability of funds for the respective academic year.